108: The Role of Emotional and Relational Intelligence in Cultivating a Mentally, Emotionally, and Spiritually Healthy Congregation

Summary 

If God’s purpose for us as church leaders, pastors, pastoral counselors, lay counselors, and coaches is to help our people “become conformed to the Image His Son,” then what might that look like? What does it mean to “grow in Christ” and become a “mature” Christian? What impact should sanctification have on our moods, behaviors, and thought patterns? What might Christlikeness look like in our emotional, relational, mental, and spiritual lives? Starting with a sound biblical and theological foundation, this workshop will look at specific and very practical ways that the emerging science of Emotional and Relational Intelligence (ERQ) and recent developments in Interpersonal Neurobiology can help us more effectively impact our congregation in the process of looking, living, and loving more like our Lord Jesus Christ and better fulfill the clarion call of Christ in John 12:34-35. 

Learning Objectives 

Participants will: 

1. Discuss the practical implications of a meaningfully Biblical Anthropology, Christology, and Soteriology in the process of helping people change and grow 
2. Illustrate the core distinctives of Emotional and Relational Intelligence (ERI) for a pastor, pastoral counselor, lay counselor, or coach—what it is, what it isn’t, why it is important, and how it relates to personal, interpersonal, and spiritual maturity—in the context of the Great Commandment 
3. Identify specific ways that a theology of relationships and spiritual disciplines can be used to help dismantle dysfunctional patterns, identify growth potential, and compliment any church ministry